How To Train Your Brain Like A Muscle: Mental Fitness SECRETS (& A Headband That Makes You Smarter!) with Ariel Garten of Muse

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Nov 27, 2025

Ariel Garten, a neuroscientist and psychotherapist, is the co-founder of InteraXon, creator of the Muse brain-sensing headband. She discusses how Muse tracks brain activity and improves mental fitness with real-time neurofeedback. Ariel introduces the innovative Athena, which measures oxygen in the prefrontal cortex. Listeners learn about the benefits of short daily sessions for cognitive improvement and the potential of Muse for therapeutic use in conditions like PTSD and ADHD. Her fusion of science and design aims to revolutionize brain health.

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INSIGHT

Muse Integrates EEG And fNIRS

Muse is a brain-sensing headband that tracks EEG and fNIRS to measure brain activity during meditation, sleep, and daily life.
It provides interventions and metrics to train focus, improve sleep, and optimize brain function.

ADVICE

Use Audio Cues To Reinforce Focus

Use Muse's real-time audio feedback (storms and birds) to know when your mind is distracted or focused during meditation.
Let the audio cues reinforce sustained attention and reward five-second focus intervals.

INSIGHT

Athena Measures Brain Oxygenation

Athena adds fNIRS to measure oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex using red and infrared light.
This lets Muse assess oxygen delivery and utilization at the blood–brain barrier, not just peripheral pulse.

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Full Shownotes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/athena/

My guest on this podcast is Ariel Garten, the founder of InteraXon, maker of Muse. Ariel studied neuroscience at the University of Toronto and worked in labs at Toronto’s Krembil Neuroscience Centre, researching Parkinson’s disease and hippocampal neurogenesis. No mere science nerd, Ariel is a fashion designer whose clothing opened Toronto Fashion Week in 2003 and has had her work displayed at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Ariel’s distinctive combination of science and art is integral to the design of Muse and to InteraXon’s unique approach to brain sensing technology.

As a neuroscientist and former psychotherapist, Ariel Garten witnessed firsthand the struggles many face with mental health and the search for effective, accessible solutions. Inspired to make a real difference, she channeled her expertise into co-founding Muse, a healthtech startup aimed at revolutionizing brain health through technology.

Use code BENGREENFIELD for a special discount on Muse's website.

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Muse: Muse S Athena combines clinical-grade EEG and fNIRS technology to train your brain in real time while tracking sleep with 86% expert-level accuracy. Get 15% off at choosemuse.com/BENGREENFIELD or use code BENGREENFIELD at checkout.

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